I always thought Fred Whittingham, Sr. was a class act. I remember his time well
at BYU.

On another note, now now Chris B., to say that Kyle
Whittingham is a top 10 football coach is a bit disingenuous. I appreciate your
enthusiasm for Ute football (since I'm married to a Ute), but let's be
real. Kyle Whittingham is a very good college coach, but he's not a great
coach. Sports Illustrated doesn't have Kyle Whittingham in their top 10 and
Sporting News has Coach Whittingham at #36. Coaches Hot List has Coach
Whittingham at #28. Unfortunately, the Utes will continue to rack up losses for
a long time to come until the team becomes more established in the PAC 12.
Becoming more established could take 20 to 30 years. Just ask Arizona State and
Arizona. Therefore, you will continue to see Coach Whittingham's ranking
among active Division 1 college football coaches continue to decline. Coach
Whittingham might not see Utah become a perennial winner in the PAC 12. I
don't think Dr. Hill will wait that long. Dennis Erickson might be Coach
Whittingham's replacement. We never know. Either way I wish Utah well,
except in one game during the season.

Wow. This has to be the only time in history I will agree with Duck Hunter.

Fred Whittingham, Sr. was a living legend, a great leader, brutally
honest, and a warrior without comparison.

Kyle Whittingham got his
toughness from his father, without a doubt, who was a huge influence on him as a
player and a coach, along with his brothers. His presence was felt wherever he
was, a great guy, with humility, wisdom, and great passion for whatever he
did.

The Utah players used to call him "Big Man", he had
total command of the defense, and even as he was older in age, looked like he
could suit up and show anyone on the practice field how the game was to be
played. He left an indelible mark on Utah football, and I'm sure many,
many other places.

A one of a kind. There will never be another.

But as big and as outspoken as Big Fred was, his wife had him on a short
leash, which was pretty funny to observe, and proved the man was human, after
all.